Franklin Gutierrez Signs With Dodgers

Today Franklin Gutierrez signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers worth $2.6 million. He figures to be penciled in as a bench outfielder for the team that originally signed him nearly two decades ago, vying for playing time with Yasiel Puig, Trayce Thompson, and Scott Van Slyke as likely platoon partners for Joc Pederson, Andrew Toles, and Andre Ethier. With an MLB deal in hand, Guti is likely to make the team, though the Dodgers are certainly rich enough to eat a couple million in salary if they felt it was the best thing to do.

Guti will be sorely missed by many Mariners fans. From “Death to Flying Things”, to becoming a symbol of resilience battling injury and illness, Guti has always given us a lot to cheer for. In fact, I once convinced a girl to watch a game with me solely by showing her a picture of his face. So Guti, I owe you one. Take notes MLB, if you want to bump interest in the league, show more of this man’s smoldering face.

While he no longer has place on the Mariners roster, he will remain fondly in our memories as a reminder that perseverance pays off in end. Farewell Guti, try to stay in one piece, and we wish you the best.